Ford Says “Working Very Hard” on F-150 Hybrid

No Details of System, Possible Intro Date

The truck market is a dog-eat-dog world where there is constant jockeying for position and claims of superior fuel economy, towing, or payload. Perhaps no other new model has received such scrutiny and focus as the 2015 Ford F-150 -- with its unprecedented aluminum body -- giving it a competitive advantage over steel-bodied rivals in the all-important towing and payload departments. However, the new truck’s real-world fuel economy has come up short of expectations and the claimed EPA figures, in both our own informal testing, as well as more scientific testing.

But according to a report from the Detroit Free Press’ Mark Phelan, Ford is determined to retain its perception as having the most fuel-efficient fullsize pickup lineup. To cement that reputation, it may introduce a hybrid or possibly even a diesel version of the F-150. Ford global product development chief Raj Nair said the company is working “very hard” on a hybrid version of the F-150 but did not elaborate further on technical details or a possible introduction date. When asked about a diesel F-150, he said the company was poised to respond quickly, citing the numerous diesel engines in Ford’s global powertrain portfolio.

Several years ago, Toyota and Ford announced a collaboration to jointly develop a hybrid system for fullsize trucks, but both companies ultimately decided to dissolve the partnership to go their own ways on hybrid truck development.